Overview & Reviews
Entry-level models get more horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder while all models get the OnStar telematics system, turbo gauges and two new colors.
- Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.
- Quirky Saab design attributes and ergonomics, uninspired exterior styling.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 87.00-
Its pretty, its fun, its unreliable - 2001 Saab 9-5
By Broke in RI - November 14 - 5:36 pmI bought my Saab wagon used in 2005. I drive less than 12,000 miles a year, and it has spent way more time in the shop than I care to tally. Oil leak, timing belt pulley, water pump, gas line recall, turbo, wouldnt start when the seasons changed, hatchback handle, drivers side window, passenger window, broken shift cover, seriously too many to list. And the cost to fix is way more than anything Ive ever owned! It was love at first drive, but I cross my fingers every time I go to start it, and every time I hear a rattle. Im far too friendly with my local mechanic. He knows my voice when I call on the telephone before I even identify myself. Do not be lured in by the fun ride!
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A Good Safe Used Car Value - 2001 Saab 9-5
By saabsrok - November 6 - 6:10 pm5 Sp Aero; My 4th Saab, 3rd Aero. Bought used on ebay w/43K miles and saved big. Now at 110K, even came with a 3 yr warranty. Car has been trouble free for the most part, stranded me once when gas line broke which was later part of a recall. I cant suggest buying new as Saabs depreciate like a rock. Easily get +31 MPG & +500 per tank during mostly highway miles. In the winter these cars really rock especially with 16" Toyo winters. This is one of the best FWD Sport Utility Vehicles out there!
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Love this car! - 2001 Saab 9-5
By notasoccermom - August 8 - 2:00 amI bought my wagon to replace/upgrade from my Honda wagon. Absolutely love this car! I put on about 250 miles/week commuting, plus errands. Seats are extremely comfortable, ride is quiet, automatic turbo is quick off the light. Did have a problem with the turbo at 20K miles; dealership fixed it under warranty and didnt cost me a dime. Not good in snow, much to my surprise - have to get snow tires. Even so, my husband has a brand new SUV; I much prefer my car over his (except in the snow).
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Less than expected - 2001 Saab 9-5
By Sboc - May 4 - 10:00 amThe only way to drive this car is in the Sport Mode. - without it, its just a regular car. Body integrity is less than expected for this $$, has squeaks and rattles. Cars electronics are weak, Check Engine light comes on and Ive already had to replace Oxygen sensors
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Great to drive just too many problems - 2001 Saab 9-5
By tarina - October 6 - 10:00 amLove to drive, having terrible problems with sunroof making noise - going in for fourth repair, a noise in the dash area sounding like styrafoam rubbing together - absolutely annoying for such a luxury vehicle, lights are not suppose to change automatically and do, tires are wearing usually early a major problem with coolant sensor that has not been fixed - going in for third repair. On lease dont want vehicle anymore.
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9-5 Aero a Blast to Drive - 2001 Saab 9-5
By Mick - June 12 - 6:06 pmIve got to say the 9-5 Aero is the most fun to drive vehicle Ive owned, and Ive had many over the past 20+ years, including a BMW 525i that comes in second to this SAAB. The power is phenomenal, the handling awesome, the ride on the highway is silky smooth. I like how the computer compensates for any type of gas you put in from regular to super. The back seats are comfortable even for a 6-footer, and the passengers back there appreciate the heated seats. Exterior styling is good, but needs an update--the new 9-3 is better looking. For $14,900 I think I got a real bargain here-- wouldnt want to buy a new one at $40K with that kind of depreciation in 3 years though!
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Hope You Have A Fat Bank Account - 2001 Saab 9-5
By sundawg18 - March 4 - 10:06 pmI bought this car used, from the original owner, with 60,000 miles. In the few years Ive owned it - and over 30,000 miles later - Ive had at least $5,000 worth of work done to it. Around 65,000 it stalled during rush hour. A few years later it started to stall on the freeway - luckily I had enough time to pull off and into a parking lot before it died. The throttle had to be replaced - to the tune of $900, and Ive gone through a couple of batteries that all cost over $200. Now Im facing an oil leak that my mechanic cant seem to find a cap for since Saab isnt making these cars anymore. Correct me if Im wrong, but this seems like an awful lot of work for a car still under 100,000 miles.
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Jury is Out - 2001 Saab 9-5
By Stewart in VT - January 10 - 6:26 pmLove the car - basically - despite its quirks. Thank God bought a certified pre-owned - 6 months into it - at 50k, I needed a new head gasket and turbocharger - $2,900! (Free w/ CPO) - Engine light came on this week - though nothing more than gas tank cap not on tight. And huge disparity between average city and highway gas mileage - as in 17/29. A discernable turbo lag -- though kick into sport mode transmission and its WOW, even on base model. Nice car, hope it lasts. DO get a CPO warranty for protection - dealer told me its $1,200 of the $16,000 price I paid, and definately insurance worth having until 100,000 miles.
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Saab Reality - 2001 Saab 9-5
By 8AA2YM - August 15 - 10:23 amThis was my second Saab. It was great to drive, and my dealership treated me like a king. Things started going wrong with the V-6 in this car, though. I began to notice a degradation in engine performance at about 42K miles. I had it in the shop at 48K when I decided to trade it in. In any case, My 3 Saabs have required little unscheduled maintenance other than many fog light lens replacements.
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Poor mans BMW? - 2001 Saab 9-5
By pcguy74 - August 5 - 1:30 amBought this one used, my first Saab. Warranty fixed the turbo and gasket (blue smoke is your indicator). Heater blower just went at 95K. I love this car, though the interior design still needs more thought. Id buy another one, luxury without the pricetag, fun without the fuel bill. Ive averaged 26mpg overall w/70 percent highway driving... pretty good for 70K+ miles, I have made 31-32 at times but I cant stay at the speed limit with this fun car! It even saved my life once in winter weather, avoided a head on because of ESP feature, fun AND safe? you bet!
